Recognizing Coe for leadership of Access to Justice Commission

At the Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit, a significant transition in leadership occurred. Yes, there was the MSBA President transition from Marissa Trasatti to Natasha Dartigue, but there was also a passing of the torch from Ward Coe to Erik Barron as chair of the Maryland Access to Justice Commission.

It would be an oversight not to take a moment to recognize Coe’s long commitment to ensuring access to justice. Coe served as Chair of the Maryland Judiciary’s Access to Justice Commission for a decade, and when it was disbanded in 2014, he became Chair of the independently formed Maryland Access to Justice Commission in 2015 and served in the role for over 10 years.

Coe also chaired the Maryland Court of Appeals Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Service from 2002 to 2012, and during his tenure, the committee established Maryland’s 50-hour annual pro bono target and mandatory reporting for attorneys. Coe served as lead counsel in the historic L.J. v. Massinga lawsuit, resulting in a 1988 Consent Decree that restructured Baltimore’s foster care system to protect children from abuse. Not surprisingly, he is the recipient of the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award.

Coe, who is Of Counsel at Gallagher LLP, and served as managing partner and litigation practice chair at Whiteford Taylor & Preston for many years, has chosen throughout his illustrative career to make a meaningful contribution of his time to ensuring that our court systems work for all Marylanders, not just those who can afford attorneys.

For many practitioners, finding space for pro bono can be a challenge. Coe hasn’t just supported access to justice, he’s been visible about it. He’s used his voice, his position and his influence to champion this work and make it clear that access to justice matters to the entire legal profession. He has not only led by example, but he has also shown others that it is possible to be profit-driven and still care about access for everyone.

At the Legal Summit, the Access to Justice Commission awarded him the first-ever Access to Justice Legend Award for his long-standing commitment and his unparalleled impact on advancing access to justice in Maryland. The Commission also renamed its Access to Justice Leadership Award in his honor. Coe was also awarded the Maryland Bar Foundation’s H. Vernon Eney Endowment Fund Award.

Coe is a shining example of the highest ideals of the legal profession. His work has helped improve our legal system and advance access to justice in Maryland. Our profession and the Maryland legal community are stronger because of Coe’s contributions and his example.

During the Legal Summit gathering, the Access to Justice Commission welcomed its new Chair, Barron, former United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and current Member at Mintz. The commission and our legal profession will benefit from his vision, integrity and deep commitment to ensuring that every Marylander has meaningful access to justice. The bench, bar, and this editorial board are grateful he has stepped forward to serve and look forward to the impact he will make in advancing fairness, equity, and opportunity throughout our legal system.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

James B. Astrachan, Chair

Gary E. Bair

Jill P. Carter

Arthur F. Fergenson

Nancy Forster

Susan Francis

Julie C. Janofsky

Ericka N. King

George Liebmann

George Nilson

Steven I. Platt

Angela W. Russell

Debra G. Schubert

Jeff Sovern

H. Mark Stichel

The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board is composed of members of the legal profession who serve voluntarily and are independent of The Daily Record. Through their ongoing exchange of views, members of the board attempt to develop consensus on issues of importance to the bench, bar and public. When their minds meet, unsigned opinions will result. When they differ, or if a conflict exists, majority views and the names of members who do not participate will appear. Members of the community are invited to contribute letters to the editor and/or columns about opinions expressed by the Editorial Advisory Board.